Last Updated: June 2026

SMJ Allardyce & Partners ("we", "us", "our", or "Company") operates the www.smjallardyce.com website and mobile applications (collectively, the "Service").

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and otherwise process personal data in connection with our website, mobile applications, and legal services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our platforms and when dealing with our firm. This policy is in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following categories of personal data:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, telephone number, postal address, and other contact details provided when you contact us or request our services.
• Client Information: Details necessary to provide legal services, including financial information, legal history, and case-related documentation.
• Professional Information: Information about your business, employment, qualifications, and professional background.
• Technical Data: Information about your device, browser, IP address, and how you interact with our website or applications.
• Communication Records: Emails, correspondence, and other communications between you and our firm.
• Special Categories of Data: Where necessary for legal services, we may process sensitive personal data, including health information or data concerning criminal convictions, always with appropriate legal basis and safeguards.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on one or more of the following legal bases:

• Contract: Where processing is necessary to fulfil our legal services agreement with you.
• Consent: Where you have explicitly consented to the processing of your data.
• Legal Obligation: Where we are required by law to process your data, including solicitors' regulatory requirements and anti-money laundering regulations.
• Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate business purposes, such as maintaining and improving our services, marketing, and fraud prevention.
• Legal Claims: Where processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise, or defence of legal claims.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

• Providing legal advice and services
• Managing client relationships and communicating with you about your case or matter
• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
• Conducting client due diligence and compliance checks
• Billing, invoicing, and financial management
• Marketing and promotional communications (with your consent)
• Improving our website, applications, and services
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Protecting against fraud, security, and legal liability

5. Sharing Your Information

We may share your personal data with:

• Other Departments and Teams: Within SMJ Allardyce & Partners to provide you with comprehensive legal services.
• Third-Party Service Providers: Providers of technology, hosting, analytics, and business services who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality obligations.
• Courts and Legal Authorities: Where required by law, court order, or in connection with legal proceedings.
• Regulatory Bodies: The Solicitors Regulation Authority and other relevant regulatory bodies as required.
• Professional Advisors: Accountants, tax advisors, and external legal counsel where necessary for our business operations.
• Successors in Title: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction.

We do not sell your personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations. For client files, we generally retain data for a minimum of 6 years following the completion of our engagement, as required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Some data may be retained for longer periods where required by law or for the establishment, exercise, or defence of legal claims.

7. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the following rights:

• Right of Access: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure: You can request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations).
• Right to Restrict Processing: You can restrict how we use your data in certain circumstances.
• Right to Data Portability: You can request your data in a portable format.
• Right to Object: You can object to our processing of your data for marketing or legitimate interests.
• Rights Related to Automated Decision Making: You have rights regarding decisions made entirely through automated means.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the details provided below.

8. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored and processed within the United Kingdom. Where we transfer data outside the UK or European Economic Area, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses or your explicit consent.

9. Security

We implement appropriate technical, physical, and organizational security measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please refer to our Cookie Policy for detailed information.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites before providing your information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services following such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

14. Complaints

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's independent authority for data protection, if you believe we have violated your rights or breached applicable data protection laws. You can contact the ICO at www.ico.org.uk.